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SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii-- April is Sexual Harassment/Assualt Response and Prevention month and the 8th Theater Sustainment Command's program kicked it off Apr. 2 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii with a proclamation signing that signified the unit's commitment to SHARP and the program's goals.

"The proclamation serves as a 'launching" of our commands internal efforts hosting several awareness events throughout the month," said Lt. Col. Jacqueline Westover, program director for the 8th TSC's SHARP program. "Our focus is not restricted to simply awareness, but events that facilitate discussion and provide training opportunities to our Soldiers. Our command is building a solid program based on high quality victim care and interactive training to promote the Army's I.A.M. STRONG with a desired end-state of achieving cultural change."

The commander and senior enlisted advisor to the 8th TSC, Maj. Gen. Stephen Lyons and Command Sgt. Maj. Nathan Hunt, were on hand to sign the proclamation and speak about the importance of SHARP to the unit and the United States Army as a whole.

"This is a national level event, fully endorsed by the U.S. Army, and consistent with the I. A.M. STRONG campaign," said Lyons. "Sexual assault is a crime and, in my opinion, one of the worst kind of predatory behavior imaginable. It is completely inconsistent with our Army values. It goes against all the leadership teaching we have received about investing in Soldiers, and growing our future in a climate of dignity and respect."

He went on to explain that there is zero tolerance in the Army for sexual assault and harassment. He reminded the Soldiers in attendance that the 8th TSC and the Army wants to create a culture that empowers everyone to do the right thing, and teaches the younger Soldiers what right looks like.

"We are an Army that prides itself in developing leaders," he continued. "Our legacy is in the investments that we make in the Soldiers that will serve and continue to invest in the next generation long after we're gone."

Lyons also reminded that this isn't a problem unique to the military. The Army is an aspect of the culture at large, but the Army will take every step necessary to mitigate and eliminate threats to it's Soldiers.

"This is an issue that, we know, will eat at the fabric of the cohesion and readiness of the force," he said.

Westover thanked the command team of the 8th TSC for their hard work and commitment to this very important issue.

She concluded, "We are fortunate to have the leaders in 8th TSC so engaged and seriously committed to this program, and the conviction to end sexual assaults in our ranks."